Two-time All-American sophomore forward Jared Sullinger announced Wednesday that he is foregoing his final two seasons at Ohio State and entering the NBA draft.
“In reality you would love to play four years at a university that has done so much for you. Being a hometown kid and trying to build a legacy at The Ohio State University — one of the greatest universities in the world — you would want to play four years,” Sullinger said during a news conference.
Sullinger, a 6-foot-9 forward with the ability to shoot the 3-pointer, averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds last season while leading the Buckeyes to a 31-8 record and a Final Four berth. He was 63-10 as a starter.
As for Sullinger’s transition to the NBA, Ohio State coach Thad Matta believes the talented forward will adapt quickly.
“I’ve always said he’s one of the most intellectual players I’ve ever coached,” Matta said. “He came in that way as a freshman. The thing is that people don’t know he studies the game. Not only the college game, but the NBA game. He can tell you a lot about a lot of NBA issues. For him, the timing is definitely right.”
Analysts agree with Matta’s assessment and most project the 20-year-old phenom going in the top 10 picks.
With his decision to enter the 2012 draft, Sullinger exits Ohio State as 29th on the all-time scoring list and 11th in rebounding. Only Jerry Lucas and Michael Redd scored more points than Sullinger in their first two years.
Watch Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger officially declare he will enter the 2012 NBA draft in the video below:
via ESPN
